The Miami Dolphins issued a press release Thursday morning saying they will hold a "joint announcement" on Thursday afternoon with former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas.

Typically, this type of announcement means that Thomas will sign a one-day contract with the team so that he can retire as a Dolphin. We presume that's what will happen today, and perhaps the Dolphins will also announce plans to formally honor Thomas in some way during the regular season.

Unfortunately, the fact is that this would not be happening if (a) Thomas did not stand up for himself while also criticizing the Dolphins for how they handled Taylor's situation and (b) Ireland hadn't given the organization a black eye with his comment about Dez Bryant's mother.

After the retirement announcement, it would be kind of cool if we signed him on as a linebacker coach.

Didn't we have Terry Glenn helping out as a coach last season? Maybe we can get Zach started on his career as i have heard he wants to get into coaching

Thu May 20, 2010 9:37 am

Rusjen

Phinfever Rookie

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 5:20 pmPosts: 27Location: Virginia

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

ZT was a real leader and a good guy. He will long be remembered by true Phin fans.

_________________As a kid I would wear swimming goggles under my Dolphins helmet in order to look like Bob Griese.

Thu May 20, 2010 9:47 am

10acjed

Phinfever Blog Writer

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:43 pmPosts: 4789Location: Wellington, FL

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

onlygators wrote:

Unfortunately, the fact is that this would not be happening if (a) Thomas did not stand up for himself while also criticizing the Dolphins for how they handled Taylor's situation and (b) Ireland hadn't given the organization a black eye with his comment about Dez Bryant's mother.

Thats really speculation... Parcells & company really have little to do with things like this, its not a team decision as far as who play etc, these signings have nothing to do with current roster or salary. They are brought in as retired, similar to IR roster and dont count towards the 53...

Also this started before everything else... The first report about Zach retiring was months ago

the big wigs in charge are Ross and Mike Dee, the Vice Chairman of the Fins is Shula, I doubt very highly that trying to push Zach away would have went over well in that group... And in all real terms, they are the bosses of the bosses.... So.....

_________________Caveat: These are the opinions of this user, and may differ from your opinion. Please use common sense before taking offense. Reply may contain sarcasm

Thu May 20, 2010 10:14 am

Iowafin

Phinfever Legend

Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 2:55 pmPosts: 5439

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

onlygators wrote:

Unfortunately, the fact is that this would not be happening if (a) Thomas did not stand up for himself while also criticizing the Dolphins for how they handled Taylor's situation and (b) Ireland hadn't given the organization a black eye with his comment about Dez Bryant's mother.

Unfortunately that is not a fact and just speculation on your part.

_________________

Thu May 20, 2010 10:37 am

joeschmoe

Phinfever Hall of Famer

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:09 amPosts: 774Location: Fort Lauderdale

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

Battle wrote:

After the retirement announcement, it would be kind of cool if we signed him on as a linebacker coach.

Didn't we have Terry Glenn helping out as a coach last season? Maybe we can get Zach started on his career as i have heard he wants to get into coaching

While it sounds nice and all, Zach has admitted that he can barely concentrate enough to think straight. As much as I love ZT I don't think he's at the mental level to coach. (No offense)

Unfortunately, the fact is that this would not be happening if (a) Thomas did not stand up for himself while also criticizing the Dolphins for how they handled Taylor's situation and (b) Ireland hadn't given the organization a black eye with his comment about Dez Bryant's mother.

I think everyone gets the wrong impression of our front office. I remember Ireland saying how much he admired Zach Thomas just before they cut him. What we forget is that you can admire a guy and still cut him. This is a business, and letting the old guys go was nothing but a business move. I'm sure if Jason Taylor wants to retire a Dolphin after this year then our staff would probably honor that.Bottom line, this was a classy move by our front office. It shows that they have some compassion. Zach Thomas was one of the greatest middle linebackers of all time and I think everyone will remember him for that.

What a man! He deserves anything he gets for what he's meant to the team.He was one of the bright spots for us during all those years of changes and losses.Love to see him on the side lines one day..Bless you Zach!

It's a shame there isn't more Zach Thomas footage available online...tried looking for old dolphins games as well to grab but no such luck :/

_________________-A Dane lost on the internet, crashed here-

Thu May 20, 2010 4:59 pm

phinsfansc

Phinfever Draft Insider

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 pmPosts: 3981Location: Columbia, SC

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

Big Dave wrote:

I'm happy to hear it!

Yes indeed.

_________________

Thu May 20, 2010 8:34 pm

xraytaylor

Phinfever Rookie

Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:52 amPosts: 68

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

very very nice, just the way it should be

Fri May 21, 2010 3:49 am

MissHell

2014 Phinfever VIP!

Joined: Mon Jan 18, 2010 7:50 pmPosts: 114Location: Honolulu, HI

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

So glad ZT is retiring as a Dolphin! Wish he could have gotten his Super Bowl ring, would be nice if he got one as a coach.

Mon May 24, 2010 10:02 pm

onlygators

Phinfever Starter

Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:19 amPosts: 216

Re: Dolphins, Zach Thomas plan "joint announcement"

10acjed wrote:

onlygators wrote:

Unfortunately, the fact is that this would not be happening if (a) Thomas did not stand up for himself while also criticizing the Dolphins for how they handled Taylor's situation and (b) Ireland hadn't given the organization a black eye with his comment about Dez Bryant's mother.

Thats really speculation... Parcells & company really have little to do with things like this, its not a team decision as far as who play etc, these signings have nothing to do with current roster or salary. They are brought in as retired, similar to IR roster and dont count towards the 53...

I didn't mention anything about him taking up a roster spot or anything of the like. I know quite well how these things are handled.

Quote:

the big wigs in charge are Ross and Mike Dee, the Vice Chairman of the Fins is Shula, I doubt very highly that trying to push Zach away would have went over well in that group... And in all real terms, they are the bosses of the bosses.... So.....

May not have "gone over well" - but he WAS pushed aside and it DID happen. The organization showed a signifigant level of disrespect for him up until recently. He mentioned exactly that prior to his recent retirement day.

Iowafin wrote:

Unfortunately that is not a fact and just speculation on your part.

I beg to differ. Just a huge coincidence, I guess. Then again, I'm just someone who studied public relations, worked in the profession and has an extensive communications background. What would I know?

(Don't worry - just being sarcastic. Not actually mad/offended or anything.)